More
EN
Newsletter
More
Newsletter
EN
Support JNS
Yaakov Lappin

Yaakov Lappin

Yaakov Lappin is an Israel-based military affairs correspondent and analyst. He is the in-house analyst at the Miryam Institute; a research associate at the Alma Research and Education Center; and a research associate at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies at Bar-Ilan University. He is a frequent guest commentator on international television news networks, including Sky News and i24 News. Lappin is the author of Virtual Caliphate: Exposing the Islamist State on the Internet. Follow him at: www.patreon.com/yaakovlappin.

An Israeli soldier examines anti-tank ordnance seized from Hezbollah's Radwan Force in Southern Lebanon, Dec. 28, 2024. Credit: IDF.
Analysis
Hezbollah’s Radwan Force and the risk of northern infiltration
Despite significant degradation, Israeli observers warn that Hezbollah retains the capability for localized cross-border raids.
Mar. 19, 2026
Yaakov Lappin
Ali Larijani
Analysis
Ali Larijani, Iran’s ‘de facto ruler,’ eliminated in IAF strike
Mar. 18, 2026
Yaakov Lappin
Israel Defense Forces troops from the 91st Division conduct ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in Southern Lebanon, March 15, 2026. Credit: IDF.
Analysis
‘Only IDF presence in Lebanon can defend northern Israel’
Mar. 17, 2026
Yaakov Lappin
Clashes between Hezbollah supporters and the Lebanese Army amid a Hezbollah-organized rally to block the road to Beirut International Airport over a decision to bar two Iranian flights from landing there, in Beirut, Feb. 15, 2025. Photo by Ibrahim Amro/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Israel signals determination to continue Lebanon truce enforcement
Even after the IDF leaves southern Lebanon, cross-border raids and airstrikes seem certain to continue.
Feb. 16, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
Israeli forces operating in the area of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on March 31, 2024. Credit: IDF.
Analysis
IDF ready to rapidly re-enter Gaza if ordered
The timeline for an Israeli military return to the Strip is expected to be short.
Feb. 12, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
Field Marshal Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, then Egypt's minister of defense and first deputy prime minister, meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin (not pictured) at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence near Moscow on Feb. 13, 2014. Photo by Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images.
Analysis
Egypt’s large military presence in Sinai continues to raise questions
While Israel’s defense establishment touts ongoing cooperation with Cairo, observers have concerns
Feb. 7, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
Israeli troops operating in Southern Lebanon, in an undated photo published on Feb. 2, 2025. Credit: IDF.
Analysis
Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon’s army remains under scrutiny
While Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon has been significantly weakened, short of a new regional dynamic Israel will have no choice but to maintain its truce enforcement operations there, observers tell JNS.
Feb. 5, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi tours the Khan Yunis combat zone in southern Gaza on April 3, 2024. Credit: IDF.
Analysis
Selection process for next IDF chief looks to be rapid
The defense minister is interviewing three candidates for the formidable challenge of restructuring the military while facing active combat.
Jan. 31, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
IDF in Jenin
Analysis
What led to IDF op in Jenin—and why it won’t be the last
The city is a magnet for weapons, Iranian and Hamas-fueled terrorism, and gunmen who are increasingly using deadly IEDs
Jan. 27, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
Hezbollah weapons and other equipment that the IDF seized during its ground operation in Southern Lebanon are displayed for the media at an army base in the Galilee on Dec. 23, 2024. Photo by Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Keeping Southern Lebanon Hezbollah-free beyond Jan. 26
The IDF could continue to carry out targeted strikes on the Shi’ite group’s entrenchment efforts.
Jan. 23, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
Nahal Brigade infantrymen in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza, January 2025. Credit: IDF.
Analysis
IDF withdrawal from north Gaza must be temporary
Despite maintaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt-Gaza border, Israel’s exit from Netzarim and delegation of checkpoints to U.S. contractors are disturbing vulnerabilities.
Jan. 19, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
Load More